This book brings together sociological insights, theoretical perspectives and global research to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of contemporary power, violence, and justice.

It explores a diverse range of urgent topics, including: colonialism, migration, race, gender and intersectionality, social movements, security, environment, and education. In doing so, it asks what the role of sociology is – and could be – in moving us forward.

Both critical and hopeful, this collection stimulates us as researchers and as human beings. It challenges us to reflect, respond, and share in the responsibility of countering the forces that perpetrate violence, subvert equality, and dilute the notion of justice.

With contributions from an array of distinguished international scholars, including several former International Sociological Association presidents, this is an essential reference work for researchers across the social sciences interested in power, violence, social justice, human rights, public sociology, social change and social movements.

Margaret Abraham is Professor of Sociology and the Harry H. Wachtel Distinguished Professor at Hofstra University, USA. She is also a Past President of the International Sociological Association.